Boko Haram is a serious terroristic group, I suppose that it's even more serious than ISIS. It's really strange that the Govt doesn't pay enough attention to it. All the news are concentrated on the events in the Middle East
8
The millions of peace loving Muslims and their Muslim governments must be in the vanguard of the fight to eradicate this evil from the face of the earth. Infidels need not apply for this job since it seems to make matters worse. The world is waiting, knowing that if you are not fighting this disease you are assisting in its growth. Allahu akbar.
3
I don't think the Times reporters should call the forced abduction and rape of women and young girls as "marriages." That's playing into the nomenclature of Boko Harum.
10
I am deeply dismayed by political leaders' fecklessness in not condemning the increasing power religion is enjoying on the world stage today. In the year 2015, it is mindboggling to realise that believers in non-existent deities are exercising so much influence today. Why should Obama break bread with the Dalai Lama or the pope, two major charlatans who have nothing useful to offer to the civilised world? And do not target the Islam's supposed exclusivity of innate violence : it was not so long ago that the Catholic world committed genocide on the American continent following the Europeans' fateful 'discovery' of the New World, an event which was nothing short of an apocalypse for native peoples.
5
If the people of Nigeria will not band together and stop these people, there is nothing we will be able to do.
I shudder whenever I hear of someone teaching their child about religion. Who knows where all that invisible lawgiver stuff they pour into their head will end?
I shudder whenever I hear of someone teaching their child about religion. Who knows where all that invisible lawgiver stuff they pour into their head will end?
2
NIgeria is a rich country yet has a corrupt, inept and cowardly Army that preys on civilians and runs away y at the first start of trouble.
The solution is for politicians to stop stealing and for the Army to start training soldiers and teaching them how to fight instead of harassing civilians. A pretty tall order.
The solution is for politicians to stop stealing and for the Army to start training soldiers and teaching them how to fight instead of harassing civilians. A pretty tall order.
6
There seemed to be bright spot this week when Islamic leaders rose up to condemn the immolation of the Jordanian pilot. Mostly though, the Islamic leadership has remained silent, in spite of the unspeakable violence being visited on Islamic and other communities in the name of Islam. As long as this 'religion' continues to promulgate a vision of the world that includes beheadings, amputations, female genital mutilation, lashings and the complete subjugation of women, there will be no change. A religion that allows girls as young as 9 to be taken as 'brides' legitimizes rape. Going back to the crusades and colonialism as excuses for what is happening in the world today, is just another way of brushing off responsibility.
12
The international community should be banding together to eradicate Boko Haram, ISIS, Al Qaeda and such groups. These groups have become the cancer of humanity and have brought disdain on the 100's of millions of peace loving Muslims living world wide. If the Muslim world won't bring and end to these atrocities and eradicate the problem then the rest of the civilized world will need to step in and deal with it.
11
You suggest that murderous extremist Muslims are entirely distinct from the mainstream even though the mainstream does not rise up against them. I don't pretend to know whether that's right or wrong. But it certainly raises the question why the mainstream doesn't get off its duff.
3
I suspect that many psychopaths and sociopaths provide the impetus for terrorism. Mabye they provide the key role. At least terrorist movements provide a venue for the criminally insane. If this is the case, experts in psychology should clarify relevant factors so
that the world can see these events clearly.
that the world can see these events clearly.
3
As some comments confirm, many Americans know nothing of "Africa" which, of course, we treat as one place. Africa is a giant continent of 53 nations, some of which share regional problems and many of which have residual colonial issues. Much of the turmoil on the continent arises from the conflict between traditional tribal forces growing Islamic influence. But like any criminal enterprise (including those on Wall Street) if there is no retribution, crimes will escalate, likely at the expense of the people.
The west must intervene if not to help those poor people, then to reinforce the rule of law for our own sake.
The west must intervene if not to help those poor people, then to reinforce the rule of law for our own sake.
3
They should announce a policy of town by town retaliation----take over the town---execute all of the terrorists---announce next town---repeat---basically create terror for the terrorists---they need to be fearful and feel helpless---we need to break their will---no quarter---otherwise they believe they can create helplessness and fear in us---
3
This applies to all religion...
"We have used the Bible as if it were a mere special constable's hand book, an opium dose for keeping beasts of burden patient while they were being overloaded, a mere book to keep the poor in order."
Charles Kingsley
2
The militia in Nigeria is just the president's pretorian guard and not willing to behave as an army. When"the girls" were kidnaped they were arresting the demonstraters so much easier than sending in the army to do its' work in fighting boka haram. This coming election is going to be violent
1
Let's not forget that they are not only killing, but also forcing women into 'marriage' with them, thereby creating a next generation of warriors. This stream of reinforcements is surely a threat that needs to be considered.
1
In late 1980s I visited Maiduguri in northeast Nigeria, attending the marriage of a professor's daughter at the University of Maiduguri. A peaceful idyllic city, tall "Zogale" trees lined its paved streets, providing essential shade from the harsh desert sun.
It's painful that this city is under siege by terrorists. If Maiduguri is threatened, then Boko Haram is in control of a very large territory, even more than ISIS in Syria.
It's more pitiful that oil-wealthy Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa (and about 30th in the world), lacks adequate military power to defend its sovereignty and is seeking help from smaller nations. Nigerian soldiers flee from Boko Haram, why?
1. Corruption. For decades military budgets are stolen wholesale by a few individuals. Rank and file Nigerian soldiers know this; they will not die for a country that deliberately ill-equips them and does not pay their salaries.
2. Systemic Corruption. For almost 40 years Nigeria's military ran the country in a brutal dictatorship. Thus the military could not develop a professional force. Military officers comprised the richest elite in society, forgetting how to fight wars.
3. Patriotism? None. Decades of leadership failure created a cynical citizenry that no longer loves its country. I have asked, and I do not know a single Nigerian prepared to die for Nigeria.
Sadly, it was inevitable that a country with such great potentials would suffer its current travails. I know; I am Nigerian.
It's painful that this city is under siege by terrorists. If Maiduguri is threatened, then Boko Haram is in control of a very large territory, even more than ISIS in Syria.
It's more pitiful that oil-wealthy Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa (and about 30th in the world), lacks adequate military power to defend its sovereignty and is seeking help from smaller nations. Nigerian soldiers flee from Boko Haram, why?
1. Corruption. For decades military budgets are stolen wholesale by a few individuals. Rank and file Nigerian soldiers know this; they will not die for a country that deliberately ill-equips them and does not pay their salaries.
2. Systemic Corruption. For almost 40 years Nigeria's military ran the country in a brutal dictatorship. Thus the military could not develop a professional force. Military officers comprised the richest elite in society, forgetting how to fight wars.
3. Patriotism? None. Decades of leadership failure created a cynical citizenry that no longer loves its country. I have asked, and I do not know a single Nigerian prepared to die for Nigeria.
Sadly, it was inevitable that a country with such great potentials would suffer its current travails. I know; I am Nigerian.
19
Many people will inevitably claim that Boko Haram are "just pure evil," that they cannot possibly be "real" Muslims, or that extremists of any religion could perpetrate such atrocities.
Boko Haram murder innocents as part of regime of terror explicitly designed to impose an Islamic caliphate in northeastern Nigeria. Let's take them at their word. They burn and loot cities, execute innocent men, and force young girls into arrangements of systematized rape because the Q'uran demands it of them. Their logo displays a Q'uran flanked by two AK-47s. Why are we so allergic to this obvious conclusion? Let's take them at their word. After they conquer a town they don't start selling ice cream. They force everyone to pray at the mosque. These pugilists are not ambivalent about their motives. They know what they're about.
If we shy away from emphasizing the explicit Islamo-fascist ideology that motivates Boko Haram and treat the group as simple bandits of particular cruelty, we have no hope of defeating them.
Dostoevsky's famous dictum, "Without god, everything is permitted," couldn't be further from the truth. As Boko Haram are so wantonly illustrating, the opposite is true--with God, everything--murder, rape, abduction of young women, forced marriage--is permitted.
Boko Haram murder innocents as part of regime of terror explicitly designed to impose an Islamic caliphate in northeastern Nigeria. Let's take them at their word. They burn and loot cities, execute innocent men, and force young girls into arrangements of systematized rape because the Q'uran demands it of them. Their logo displays a Q'uran flanked by two AK-47s. Why are we so allergic to this obvious conclusion? Let's take them at their word. After they conquer a town they don't start selling ice cream. They force everyone to pray at the mosque. These pugilists are not ambivalent about their motives. They know what they're about.
If we shy away from emphasizing the explicit Islamo-fascist ideology that motivates Boko Haram and treat the group as simple bandits of particular cruelty, we have no hope of defeating them.
Dostoevsky's famous dictum, "Without god, everything is permitted," couldn't be further from the truth. As Boko Haram are so wantonly illustrating, the opposite is true--with God, everything--murder, rape, abduction of young women, forced marriage--is permitted.
12
Clearly Nigeria needs help, far more than Ukraine or a lot of other strife-torn nations. And unlike some places like Syria, with boko haram dealt with, Nigeria would be fairly well off, as it has the resources to provide for its people and it doesn't have quite as much tribal and fundamentalist homicidal hatred.
So I think the U.S., NATO, and hopefully China and Russia, and whoever else wants to help, should mount a campaign against boko haram. It's pretty obvious that they're barbarians who have to be eliminated, and Nigeria would welcome the assistance. Identify areas under their control, locate encampments, then drop daisy-cutter bombs on the area to slay them all. There is no point in taking them prisoner or trying to negotiate, and until they're all dead, there won't be peace in Nigeria.
So that's all there is to it in my view, boko haram has to be completely removed from existence to solve this problem, and people are going to have to accept the ruthlessness with which this will have to be applied. If people fail in this, the depraved fundamentalist insanity will continue for the forseeable future.
So I think the U.S., NATO, and hopefully China and Russia, and whoever else wants to help, should mount a campaign against boko haram. It's pretty obvious that they're barbarians who have to be eliminated, and Nigeria would welcome the assistance. Identify areas under their control, locate encampments, then drop daisy-cutter bombs on the area to slay them all. There is no point in taking them prisoner or trying to negotiate, and until they're all dead, there won't be peace in Nigeria.
So that's all there is to it in my view, boko haram has to be completely removed from existence to solve this problem, and people are going to have to accept the ruthlessness with which this will have to be applied. If people fail in this, the depraved fundamentalist insanity will continue for the forseeable future.
5
Boko Haram" rise and success is as a result of the northern part of Nigeria rejecting the will of the people by electing a Christian from the south for the first time in the country's history, however, the current administration of Good luck Jonathan's incompetency and extreme corruption has really added to the dangerous situation in the country. The situation in Nigeria is more political than religious, the practice has been that it is always ok to kill and destroy properties of the IGBO people that resides in the north, but the chicken has come to roost and the table has turned around them and they where not prepared for what has befallen them. The solution is a permanent dissolution of the Nigerian nation, and for the different ethnic groups to go and form their own nation. The Nigerian nation was forced to us by the British, and their is no solution that will make Nigeria one except breaking up the country.
8
Where are Boka Haram Weapons coming from? Who is financing this Terrorist Organization?
By Overthrowing former Libyan leader Gaddafi, NATO and the USA have created more instability in Western Africa. Libya under Gaddafi was known to have sophisticated and more weapons than needed. Most of them are been used by Terrorists from Central Africa, Mali, or Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Yes the Nigerian government is failing to protect its people. But Boko Haran would not have been so powerful without Gaddafi weapons.
By Overthrowing former Libyan leader Gaddafi, NATO and the USA have created more instability in Western Africa. Libya under Gaddafi was known to have sophisticated and more weapons than needed. Most of them are been used by Terrorists from Central Africa, Mali, or Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Yes the Nigerian government is failing to protect its people. But Boko Haran would not have been so powerful without Gaddafi weapons.
3
African wars and genocide are directly caused by the break down of civilization caused by long term wealth mal-distribution, global warming, environmental degradation and western indifference. This indifference is wide spread as large parts of central Africa have become killing fields. With the end of the Cold War there are plenty of guns left but nobody in power wants to interfere. Bill Clinton and Susan Rice made a big deal if they could redo their actions again in Rwanda. But Libya discredited Rice and Hilary Clinton. The ISIS and Boko Haram thrive on Moslem have nots wanting to join in something. Too bad these alternatives are so pointless and murderous.
6
The opposite is closer to the truth when it comes to the connection between wealth and terrorism. Many groups, including Boko Haram, appear well supplied, with guns and ammunition redistributed by dark money for dark reasons. Terrorism, as is now formulated is not the classic rich-against-the-poor; it is more an abundance of dark money without goals given to groups without morals, to massacre civilians without purpose. Using religion as a screen creates an artificial frame for the wide spread problem of outliers who take root where they are funded and attract others disenchanted.
The widest explanation is the most useful. Narrowed to Islam/Islamists, the point is missed that these young adults don't want to join in! They are not a young ANC, or Mau-Mau, Ghana's unions, or SNCC, or Fidel's band, or the group Brasil's President Dilma Rousseff once belonged to and was imprisoned for; these are not Maoists on the Long March. Their model is closer to North Korea, an absolute rule by fear, threat, and death, under a few ideas of anarchy lifted from nativist culture, where killing with impunity is its own end.
The widest explanation is the most useful. Narrowed to Islam/Islamists, the point is missed that these young adults don't want to join in! They are not a young ANC, or Mau-Mau, Ghana's unions, or SNCC, or Fidel's band, or the group Brasil's President Dilma Rousseff once belonged to and was imprisoned for; these are not Maoists on the Long March. Their model is closer to North Korea, an absolute rule by fear, threat, and death, under a few ideas of anarchy lifted from nativist culture, where killing with impunity is its own end.
4
Of course, everything's our fault.
Oh, come off it.
Man's inhumanity to man is not a new invention. What has changed is that now we hear of things happening outside our own backyard. Centuries ago, all the continents of the globe were more sparsely populated. Before the invention of written language there was no documentation. And on top of everything, what you're seeing here was pretty much business as usual for all cultures, particularly in the sense of using one's religion or dogma as an excuse for exploiting and brutalising the neighbours.
It's been going on since Cain picked up that rock, well before and in spite of 'long term wealth mal-distribution, global warming, environmental degradation and western indifference'. Civilisation didn't break down; it didn't happen more than superficially, not just in Africa but anywhere.
I'm not counseling indifference. What I object to is your trite analysis.
Oh, come off it.
Man's inhumanity to man is not a new invention. What has changed is that now we hear of things happening outside our own backyard. Centuries ago, all the continents of the globe were more sparsely populated. Before the invention of written language there was no documentation. And on top of everything, what you're seeing here was pretty much business as usual for all cultures, particularly in the sense of using one's religion or dogma as an excuse for exploiting and brutalising the neighbours.
It's been going on since Cain picked up that rock, well before and in spite of 'long term wealth mal-distribution, global warming, environmental degradation and western indifference'. Civilisation didn't break down; it didn't happen more than superficially, not just in Africa but anywhere.
I'm not counseling indifference. What I object to is your trite analysis.
2
When the Balkan massacres were taking place during the Clinton administration, we had no qualms about intervening militarity. But when it comes to Africa, it's "let the Africans deal with the horror" of these unimaginable atrocities. Where are the former colonial powers that ruled Africa for over a century? And where is the US outrage? Just wondering.
30
Clinton watched as the Rwandan genocide was taking place. Maybe the question should be, where is the Democrats' outrage. But then again, why should we care about massacres in Africa? They've been happening for many centuries. And why would you think the election of an African-American president would change anything?
1
The fascist (corporate elite) military powers are all financially bankrupted , unable to summon the destructive might and manpower needed to destroy the slave nations and keep them in their place. Instead, (we) sell weapons to the slaves and let the "sides in a conflict" butcher each other for us. The same philosophy is under the GOP's "have the freedom not to inoculate your child from disease; as an employer, enjoy the freedom of nor forcing your employees to wash their hands after they've gone potty. Let the marketplace decide." Same fascist intent.
It took over 3 years for Clinton to get involved in the Balkans, and there were huge debates in the Congress over such action. Moreover, we had the Marines in Somalia from 1992-93 to stop a man-made famine when the massacres in southeast Europe were erupting (based on your standard, we must have been biased for East Africans over Europeans). Nice try at accusing the U.S. of racism but fail.
2
The international community should be banding together to eradicate Boko Haram, ISIS, Al Qaeda and such groups, and unfortunately, the only way to do so is with violence. This is no different than the rise of Nazism in the 30's and 40's, which had to be stopped with war. But of course, we have a wimp of a president who won't even call it for what it is, much less take decisive action to stop it.
12
Absolutely! Let's do it! But first a couple of ground rules: The war will be pay as you go. No borrowing. Second, there will be full conscription with no deferments except for severe medical conditions. Still anxious to go to war? I thought so.
2
So just let the extremism continue, with killings, bombings, beheadings and burning. So much for the patriotism of decades gone by where Americans were proud to defeat the enemy and evils of the world. Having visited many former concentration camps, there is a sign in most of them saying "those that forget history will likely live to see it repeated". Well...... this is the closest to the holocaust we've come, and many seem willing to sit idly by.
The American University in Nigeria is supporting eleven girls from the Chibok school who escaped from the kidnappers. The school's head, an American named Margee Ensign, has created a foundation for their support. They currently have funding for a year. The story was in The Guardian two or three days ago and noted in my blog http://catherineonyemelukwe.com or http://wp.me/p4BsjQ-oy. I'd love to see a NYTimes story on this, re Nikos' question.
8
I hope that's when we finally have the chance to catch these Boko Haram , we take no prisoners. This should preferably be handled to the very people they tormented. It may help the victims find a form of catharsis. No burning and no decapitating!
2
Absolutely heinous and horrendous. The magnitude of the crime and their ability to get so much leeway is simply incredible. What is more incredible is the aloofless in which other countries with a voice stand up and say something must be done. Everyone already knows the incapacity and inability of the government there to deal with BH, let alone other problems such as infrastructure and welfare, but that does not mean ignore it. I can't help but suspect that the larger point here is that Nigeria, other than its oil wealth, has nothing much other interest that can take the notice of other countries.
2
Yes arm the women. these women are so harmed that only the most aggressive are born the others die at birth. this is evil beyond evil.!!!!!!
3
It's amazing to see how far we've come in terms of knowledge and technology, but yet we still can't learn to live with our differences.
And we thought we would never live to see another Holocaust... but in a way, isn't it what's happening all over again?
And we thought we would never live to see another Holocaust... but in a way, isn't it what's happening all over again?
8
Why do we persist in trying to minimize the fact that these are Muslim fanatics? The NYT (and Obama administration) appears to take the view that mentioning the religion is somehow a politically incorrect thing. I have been told (and have the had the experience myself) that the NYT is not posting any comments that explicitly calls out these people (and the Charlie Hebdo killers) for what they really are - Muslim fanatics. And I don't notice any widespread condemnation of these atrocities by the Muslim community in the US and Europe. Does this say something? And, of course, will this comment be posted?
38
Literally the first line of the article:
"They came in the dead of night, their faces covered, riding on motorcycles and in pickup trucks, shouting “Allahu akbar” and firing their weapons."
You somehow read that sentence and think "Gosh, why isn't the NY Times telling me what religion these fanatics are?" That's not even to mention all the other references in the article to executing unbelievers, forced prayer, "Islamist quasi-state", etc.
No one who reads this article could possibly claim that it doesn't make clear that Boko Haram are radical Islamists, unless they're disingenuously trying to push an agenda.
"They came in the dead of night, their faces covered, riding on motorcycles and in pickup trucks, shouting “Allahu akbar” and firing their weapons."
You somehow read that sentence and think "Gosh, why isn't the NY Times telling me what religion these fanatics are?" That's not even to mention all the other references in the article to executing unbelievers, forced prayer, "Islamist quasi-state", etc.
No one who reads this article could possibly claim that it doesn't make clear that Boko Haram are radical Islamists, unless they're disingenuously trying to push an agenda.
1
Dear Chris,
Nicely, it did get posted, probably it's stated reasonably enough to pass muster. And I agree, seems blindingly obvious that these barbarian groups are, nowadays, pretty much all Muslim fundamentalists. And thus, the big problem in the world today, when it comes to violence and war, is fundamentalist Islam.
Unfortunately this is something Islam is going to have to realize, and deal with, and reform itself. The only thing non-Islam can do is attack the fundamentalists and try to slay as many as possible. I'd think only a few tens of millions would take care of the problem, but people shy away from this sort of necessary measure.
So it's up to Islam to fix itself. If Islam doesn't fix itself by the end of the century, then I'd say it should be completely destroyed. Enough of this stupid insanity.
Nicely, it did get posted, probably it's stated reasonably enough to pass muster. And I agree, seems blindingly obvious that these barbarian groups are, nowadays, pretty much all Muslim fundamentalists. And thus, the big problem in the world today, when it comes to violence and war, is fundamentalist Islam.
Unfortunately this is something Islam is going to have to realize, and deal with, and reform itself. The only thing non-Islam can do is attack the fundamentalists and try to slay as many as possible. I'd think only a few tens of millions would take care of the problem, but people shy away from this sort of necessary measure.
So it's up to Islam to fix itself. If Islam doesn't fix itself by the end of the century, then I'd say it should be completely destroyed. Enough of this stupid insanity.
1
This report, like most reporting about Boko Haram is completely unbalanced.
The story of Boko Haram is not just about wanton violence and mindless jihad. It is the story about a group formed initially that opposed the corruption of the Nigerian government that, like many opposition groups in Africa, was brutally suppressed and turned to violence. Not surprisingly, Mr. Nossiter spends nary a paragraph informing his readers about the equally brutal violence of the Nigerian military in the conflict zone.
Boko Haram's movement is as much anti-Western as it is pro-Islamist. Why? Because Nigerians, like so many other Africans, have watched for generations as Western companies, supported by their governments, exploit African resources and support corrupt governments that pocket the small pittance of profits reserved for Africans and do nothing to alleviate the suffering of the masses. This has been the prescription for insurgent movements in Africa since the fall of outright colonialism. Until we in the West understand that this is at the root of much of the jihadist movements, we will never respond in a productive way.
The story of Boko Haram is not just about wanton violence and mindless jihad. It is the story about a group formed initially that opposed the corruption of the Nigerian government that, like many opposition groups in Africa, was brutally suppressed and turned to violence. Not surprisingly, Mr. Nossiter spends nary a paragraph informing his readers about the equally brutal violence of the Nigerian military in the conflict zone.
Boko Haram's movement is as much anti-Western as it is pro-Islamist. Why? Because Nigerians, like so many other Africans, have watched for generations as Western companies, supported by their governments, exploit African resources and support corrupt governments that pocket the small pittance of profits reserved for Africans and do nothing to alleviate the suffering of the masses. This has been the prescription for insurgent movements in Africa since the fall of outright colonialism. Until we in the West understand that this is at the root of much of the jihadist movements, we will never respond in a productive way.
37
The Times has written extensively about the roots of the Boko Haram insurgency and the human rights abuses committed by the Nigerian military in its campaign against the group. Please take a look at a sample of them:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/30/world/africa/outcry-over-military-tactics-after-massacre-in-nigeria.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/08/world/africa/body-count-soars-as-nigerian-military-hunts-islamists.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/world/africa/nigerian-refugees-accuse-army-of-excess-force.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/world/africa/nigerian-army-facing-questions-as-death-toll-soars-after-prison-attack.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/world/africa/in-northern-nigeria-boko-haram-stirs-fear-and-sympathy.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/30/world/africa/outcry-over-military-tactics-after-massacre-in-nigeria.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/08/world/africa/body-count-soars-as-nigerian-military-hunts-islamists.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/world/africa/nigerian-refugees-accuse-army-of-excess-force.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/world/africa/nigerian-army-facing-questions-as-death-toll-soars-after-prison-attack.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/26/world/africa/in-northern-nigeria-boko-haram-stirs-fear-and-sympathy.html
10
And yet, the group still is Islamist isn't it? I'm all for exploring all the root causes of this, as long as in the process we don't ignore at least half the problem: radical interpretations of Islamic doctrine.
2
After the merging of the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate by the British the Christian South had the upper hand in Nigerian politics and the Muslim population was treated as second hand citizens which is one of the sources of the present conflict.
1
Where is a coalition of African States to wipe out this plague of terror?
Where is a united face and voice of Islam to take this on?
When will the rich and/or powerful nations of Islam going to start taking on the pockets of violent terror that have sprung from years of way too much focus on more fundamentalist Islamic teaching? The Madrasa system has been exporting a very rigid, anti-modernity, black and white, no room for error view of Islam, that places women in very vulnerable positions in their societies. Combine this with rage, little other education, and lack of opportunity - and put it all in the hands of angry young men - well this is what you get.
A few TV or newspaper editorials won't fix the Muslim World, nor will intervention from the West. Certainly sitting on their butts and just saying, "This is not Islam!" will not do it either.
Instead of waiting on the West to fix it, the nations of Islam should. You don't want Western intervention... well, DO SOMETHING! When will the nations of Islam take up the real jihad, against the virulent growth of pockets of powerful violent terror that slaughters, captures, rapes, and enslaves? These things cannot be allowed in a civilized world, and they will not go away by themselves.
Where is a united face and voice of Islam to take this on?
When will the rich and/or powerful nations of Islam going to start taking on the pockets of violent terror that have sprung from years of way too much focus on more fundamentalist Islamic teaching? The Madrasa system has been exporting a very rigid, anti-modernity, black and white, no room for error view of Islam, that places women in very vulnerable positions in their societies. Combine this with rage, little other education, and lack of opportunity - and put it all in the hands of angry young men - well this is what you get.
A few TV or newspaper editorials won't fix the Muslim World, nor will intervention from the West. Certainly sitting on their butts and just saying, "This is not Islam!" will not do it either.
Instead of waiting on the West to fix it, the nations of Islam should. You don't want Western intervention... well, DO SOMETHING! When will the nations of Islam take up the real jihad, against the virulent growth of pockets of powerful violent terror that slaughters, captures, rapes, and enslaves? These things cannot be allowed in a civilized world, and they will not go away by themselves.
54
You can do good deeds without invoking some sort of god, but for pure evil, you need religion to justify it.
12
Much is being written about how these people are not following the 'true' Islam faith.
Well, Duh!!
Religious authorities have always made it up as they go along. Christ preached asceticism and self-denial. What do Christians do today? Amass gold, jewels, and build huge extravagant buildings. They've been arguing about how much to discriminate against women for millennia even though women are prominent in the Bible. (It's even worse in my part of the world. Women can't enter the Mormon heaven unless a man helps them.)
The problem starts when people turn off their brains and turn their lives over to myths and fables.
Well, Duh!!
Religious authorities have always made it up as they go along. Christ preached asceticism and self-denial. What do Christians do today? Amass gold, jewels, and build huge extravagant buildings. They've been arguing about how much to discriminate against women for millennia even though women are prominent in the Bible. (It's even worse in my part of the world. Women can't enter the Mormon heaven unless a man helps them.)
The problem starts when people turn off their brains and turn their lives over to myths and fables.
14
I am a devout believer in a higher power, that I call God, but I do not take the Bible Literally, because it has not evolved. The bible was written shortly after men came out of caves, full of superstition & horror.It was written to scare the people who were for the most part illiterate. It served it's purpose then to give the masses a sense of order. It makes for interesting reading as it describes what life may have been in ancient times.The world is a different place today. We are governed for the most part by civilized laws, I say for the most parts, we still let ancient concepts control our thinking, such as the case with ISIS, & 70 years ago the worst human Slaughter of Millions of innocent people, by people who were brought up as Christians.The Bible if anything should teach us as not to behave,Unfortunately it has failed in this endeavor.
1
Boko Haram's Massacres,
Horrible inhuman barbarians, What kind of values do these Muslims have?
President Obama recently gave a speech & spoke of Christian atrocities & the atrocities of ISIS, & was crucified by the Racist hypocrites like Limbaugh.All he was doing was quoting Jesus, "when he said, "let people without sin throw the first stone"He wasn't justifying the atrocities of ISIS, as a matter of fact, he condemned them.Was there ever a worst mass murderer than Hitler, who was born & raised a Catholic.Lets not condemn an entire religion or people for the sins of a few.
Horrible inhuman barbarians, What kind of values do these Muslims have?
President Obama recently gave a speech & spoke of Christian atrocities & the atrocities of ISIS, & was crucified by the Racist hypocrites like Limbaugh.All he was doing was quoting Jesus, "when he said, "let people without sin throw the first stone"He wasn't justifying the atrocities of ISIS, as a matter of fact, he condemned them.Was there ever a worst mass murderer than Hitler, who was born & raised a Catholic.Lets not condemn an entire religion or people for the sins of a few.
3
There is a widespread misunderstanding about Nigeria and its military.
Nigeria is not a nation. It never was and never will be. Nigeria's politico-military elites have one interest, and only one interest: enriching themselves by plundering the resources of the region for their own personal profit.
Billions and billions flow into Nigeria from the exploitation of these resources. But hardly a dollar is spent on schools, medical facilities, or anything else which would benefit the average Nigerian living outside the ruling circles.
Spending on such things is left to the saps of the international donor community.
Nigeria is not a nation. It never was and never will be. Nigeria's politico-military elites have one interest, and only one interest: enriching themselves by plundering the resources of the region for their own personal profit.
Billions and billions flow into Nigeria from the exploitation of these resources. But hardly a dollar is spent on schools, medical facilities, or anything else which would benefit the average Nigerian living outside the ruling circles.
Spending on such things is left to the saps of the international donor community.
14
Best Example, why USA doesn't help anyone if it has no use for them. They won't do anything without an ulterior motive, with iraq it is oil, with ukraine it is suppressing Russian power. Bullshitters, don't even deserve to report about these things.
2
As an American I hate to agree with you but, yeah. You called us out and you're right.
so where exactly is the Indian army and Air Force on this one?, et tu hypocrisy
3
That's right. It's not the job of the USA to help the world. Most of us have a hard enough time trying to stay afloat and help needy members of our own families and communities. Why is it that we are expected to act on the basis of selfless altruism--as if such a thing exists--but no one else is?
1
Sometimes we are looking things and thinking for too long and detailed what is under it.
ISIS and Boko Haram is here for killing, that is it.
Does any body remember Liberian civil war, what for it? Nothing only Killing.
ISIS or Boko Haram , rabies infested dogs, they are sick and dying so they are killing. they have banners , flags and words but they are just for killing.
unchecked , uncontrolled killings.
ISIS and Boko Haram is here for killing, that is it.
Does any body remember Liberian civil war, what for it? Nothing only Killing.
ISIS or Boko Haram , rabies infested dogs, they are sick and dying so they are killing. they have banners , flags and words but they are just for killing.
unchecked , uncontrolled killings.
5
The world must band together, to stop these atrocities by these Muslims. They have murdered tens of thousands of innocent people, in the name of Islam. Where is the outrage? Where are the demonstrations? Where is the UN?
9
They are all in the same place as President Obama. Let the massacres, the murders, the rapes continue. As President Obama has said, it's not our problem.
1
We know where the training camps are for these people and we know which of our people are leaving to become part of these groups. Bomb the training camps and don't allow any U.S. citizen back in to our country if they have trained to kill us. May not totally stop the evil people but would sure put a dent in it.
6
I do have to say that this is absolutely horrible! Being a young American, living where I live, it is hard to believe or even think that this sort of thing actually happens. It's depressing, I hope that this ends, soon. I also have to say that I agree with Samsara and also I didn't realize that oil in Nigeria is some sort of an issue?... or something like that according to Bryan Ketter. I learn something new everyday.
1
When we come right down to it, is this who we are? We don't know much about "the dawn of man" but there is evidence throughout our history, both recorded and archeological, that we are a violent and murderous species. Along with our techniological ability, is that a reason that Homo Sapiens has come to dominate the earth? Is Boko Haram simply us with a few, thin layers of "civilization" stripped away? Just consider the last hundred years, the wars, the genocide, the dictators who have controlled states through terrorism and murder; all in "civilized" Europe alone. When we look in the mirror in the morning are we looking at a person who, given the provocation and opportunity, could become that which we claim to detest? If we had the opportunity and the means and the knowledge that there would be no consequence, is there someone that you or I might kill?
5
Yup. Excellent points. Karen Armstrong wrote a book on violence and religion. A good case is made that violence in intrinsic to our nature. We do violence to each other and to the planet. We may be a mistake in evolution though the Judeo Christian view is that we were created in God's image, though given human behavior it requires a great deal of faith to accept that.
1
Muslims are forbidden to criticize Islam. As long as this is the case, nothing is gonna change. A simple fact.
9
Eventually something will change. Islam will have to be eradicated, if Muslims won't fix it. This might mean killing 1.5 billion people, sparing all who will renounce their faith. That will be acceptable, when the planet is even shorter on water and it's looking grim for all civilization. In fact, removing 1.5 billion would be a huge help, for humanity as a whole.
Great Idea Dan,
I believe the Gas Chambers & Crematoria's of the Christian Concentration camps are still useable.
I believe the Gas Chambers & Crematoria's of the Christian Concentration camps are still useable.
2
Dear Ultraliberal,
Maybe my exaggeration for effect wasn't evident. I'm not actually proposing rounding up all those people for extermination. I'm saying something has to be done, and if nothing is done, then eventually this ghastly thing will be carried out. The vanishing water supply basically assures massive death tolls all on its own.
And actually, I'm pretty sure this will be the eventual way Islam is dealt with, because nobody seems to be interested in fixing it now, or reducing their birthrates.
Maybe my exaggeration for effect wasn't evident. I'm not actually proposing rounding up all those people for extermination. I'm saying something has to be done, and if nothing is done, then eventually this ghastly thing will be carried out. The vanishing water supply basically assures massive death tolls all on its own.
And actually, I'm pretty sure this will be the eventual way Islam is dealt with, because nobody seems to be interested in fixing it now, or reducing their birthrates.
This new s clearly says and actually very well known context of Arab's in Africa or their allies ( this is centuries old pretext) such as Boko Haram, killing Muslim and Christian or other African people. Recently there is extra brutality added in the name of Islamic extremism. Look at the massacred people, Muslims, raped people Muslim as well as other religions. Meaning what?
Historically well known fact Arab incursion in sub-Saharan Africa happened to be extermination and very few assimilation of African population.
These groups fed by again rich Saudi princes supports. Now Islamic extremism added on.
There is nothing too much to say, this is one of the most abhorrent violation of Human rights.
I believe that Muslim nations has one responsibility , they should start an action in UN and ISIS, Boko Haram etc organization would be placed not only terrorism list also Crime against Humanity list like Nazis. Because These organizations named only terrorists gives them a legitimacy to defend their act, There is much more going on here. No body can call what happen in Bosnia Srebrenica is a terrorist act, that is crime against humanity.
Lets don't play down anymore, lets put these group at the same place with Nazis, and they will be pursued or captured until they tried in the crime against human court.
Historically well known fact Arab incursion in sub-Saharan Africa happened to be extermination and very few assimilation of African population.
These groups fed by again rich Saudi princes supports. Now Islamic extremism added on.
There is nothing too much to say, this is one of the most abhorrent violation of Human rights.
I believe that Muslim nations has one responsibility , they should start an action in UN and ISIS, Boko Haram etc organization would be placed not only terrorism list also Crime against Humanity list like Nazis. Because These organizations named only terrorists gives them a legitimacy to defend their act, There is much more going on here. No body can call what happen in Bosnia Srebrenica is a terrorist act, that is crime against humanity.
Lets don't play down anymore, lets put these group at the same place with Nazis, and they will be pursued or captured until they tried in the crime against human court.
4
These faithful adherents to Islam are living by the Holy Koran- everything they do are contained and sanctified in it's pages. The problem is not oil, or economics, or racism, or a history of colonialism. Those are all terrible realities- but that is not the problem here.
The problem is that a bunch of Muslims have decided to live according to the words of The Prophet and his Holy Koran.- why can't we just be honest about that?
The problem is that a bunch of Muslims have decided to live according to the words of The Prophet and his Holy Koran.- why can't we just be honest about that?
8
Who is Boko Haram?
A Kanuri Muslim group. There are 500+ ethnic groups among the 175 million Nigerians. Only 4% of Nigerians are Kanuri. And while half of Nigerians are Muslim, the Hausa with 21% and the Fulani with 11% are the primary ethnic Muslim populations. The Yoruba 21% and the Igbo 18% are primarily Christian. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is a Christian Ijaw (2%) with a PhD. in Zoology.
Where is Boko Haram?
Why is there a Boko Haram?
NYT?
A Kanuri Muslim group. There are 500+ ethnic groups among the 175 million Nigerians. Only 4% of Nigerians are Kanuri. And while half of Nigerians are Muslim, the Hausa with 21% and the Fulani with 11% are the primary ethnic Muslim populations. The Yoruba 21% and the Igbo 18% are primarily Christian. Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is a Christian Ijaw (2%) with a PhD. in Zoology.
Where is Boko Haram?
Why is there a Boko Haram?
NYT?
6
Boko Haram is as brutal as ISIS. Why isn't the internatioal community helping more?
1
Apathy and cowardice for a start.
5
Why isn't the international community helping more?
Perhaps two quagmire wars of futility fought by the most powerful military nation on the face of the Earth has taught others that some fights are unwinnable.
Perhaps two quagmire wars of futility fought by the most powerful military nation on the face of the Earth has taught others that some fights are unwinnable.
1
So is this an "armed insurgency" or a "man-caused disaster"?
A real leader would have quietly (NYT breaking the story the exception) a team of special forces into the area when this band of marauders kidnapped those girls last year. Save the girls (the Twitter campaign didn't work , Michelle), and dispose of a bunch of bad dudes in the process.
This is one instance where we should have set the tone. What a mess..
A real leader would have quietly (NYT breaking the story the exception) a team of special forces into the area when this band of marauders kidnapped those girls last year. Save the girls (the Twitter campaign didn't work , Michelle), and dispose of a bunch of bad dudes in the process.
This is one instance where we should have set the tone. What a mess..
2
Is it time for President Obama to come out with a new Twitter hashtag? Like #BadBadBokoHaram?
At least Bill Clinton realized how awful it was as he watched the Rwandan massacres during his terms. But who cares, these are Africans and Muslims. They can kill each other and there is no reason for the United States to act. We can't solve all of these problems and need to let the affected parties figure it out. The law of evolution, survival of the fittest. And at least nobody is saying that we are doing nothing because it's only Africans who are being killed, kidnapped, raped, etc.
At least Bill Clinton realized how awful it was as he watched the Rwandan massacres during his terms. But who cares, these are Africans and Muslims. They can kill each other and there is no reason for the United States to act. We can't solve all of these problems and need to let the affected parties figure it out. The law of evolution, survival of the fittest. And at least nobody is saying that we are doing nothing because it's only Africans who are being killed, kidnapped, raped, etc.
3
Tony, not quite. As they are Muslims, the President treads carefully - refer to Christian violence of a few centuries ago, call these people "violent extremists", refuse to attend the Paris march, and anything else which will downplay the Muslim aspect. This President will never act directly against the Muslim threat.
2
Do you really think this situation is serious enough for a Presidential hashtag campaign? That's a potential game-changer.
#bringbackourgirls
#bringbackourgirls
2
You want to know the truth? Nigeria is a failed project. The country is like "an archipelago comprising of ' fraternal islands' " that do not have or want to have anything in common with each other, unionized only by the oil revenue from the christian south.
People from the South/Niger Delta are tired of this nightmare. This haven of satanic-grade bastion of a mess needs a clean up and about time too. Divide the country now!!!
People from the South/Niger Delta are tired of this nightmare. This haven of satanic-grade bastion of a mess needs a clean up and about time too. Divide the country now!!!
4
This very recent brutality from the so called Islamist extremist groups are in fact the last symptoms of ailing Islamic society. Yes ailing. Islamic society as a whole , unfortunately missed 20th century except small percentage.
Democracy and education which is the pillars of modern world, extremely lagged behind in Islamic world. In this atmosphere it well expected opportunists took the advantage.
Today , ISIS, Boko Haram, Al shabbab , Al Qaeda etc are the multiple malign cancers metastasis entire Islamic world. What would be the consequence.
Immediate consequences like all cancers, Islamic world suffers unspeakable misery. Long term this period of Islamic world will be dead, yes it will be gone. No way this mind set in Islamic world can carry out almost 2 billion people through out the 21st century.
Let's call Islam renaissance is expected to be start in 21st century.
No such ideology, regime or religion can feed continuously its followers blood. History repeats and this period will be self terminate itself.
Democracy and education which is the pillars of modern world, extremely lagged behind in Islamic world. In this atmosphere it well expected opportunists took the advantage.
Today , ISIS, Boko Haram, Al shabbab , Al Qaeda etc are the multiple malign cancers metastasis entire Islamic world. What would be the consequence.
Immediate consequences like all cancers, Islamic world suffers unspeakable misery. Long term this period of Islamic world will be dead, yes it will be gone. No way this mind set in Islamic world can carry out almost 2 billion people through out the 21st century.
Let's call Islam renaissance is expected to be start in 21st century.
No such ideology, regime or religion can feed continuously its followers blood. History repeats and this period will be self terminate itself.
2
We can only pray.
"No such ideology, regime or religion can feed continuously its followers blood. History repeats and this period will be self terminate itself."
Hogwash!
There is absolutely NO evidence that Islam is anywhere near extinction. It has its tentacles inside every government that it has captured. Mosque and state are one!
It is impossible to extract it from the countries that embrace it.
This "religion of peace" was spread, exclusively by conquest and terror and subjugation of all who stood in their goal of a one world caliphate.
It will never have a reformation. Nothing in their book permits any change of orthodoxy.
It resembles no other CURRENT DAY religion. It acts as a cult; a cult built on death, slavery,terror and conquest. To even attempt to leave this cult-the punishment is death or a tax or servitude. In none of the Islamic countries can churches or-God forbid-a Temple's construction be built! And I won't attempt here to write of the barbaric treatments dealt out to gays and women and Jews.
How can THAT be a religion? How can the intolerant expect tolerance?
It is time to stop the excuses for their unspeakable acts. It's past time the leaders reform their brothers in faith or do battle against them.
Anyone who claims to be a Muslim and does NOT speak out and work with the world to stop these radical groups are complicit; much as the silent Germans were under Hitler. Their silence speaks volumes.
Hogwash!
There is absolutely NO evidence that Islam is anywhere near extinction. It has its tentacles inside every government that it has captured. Mosque and state are one!
It is impossible to extract it from the countries that embrace it.
This "religion of peace" was spread, exclusively by conquest and terror and subjugation of all who stood in their goal of a one world caliphate.
It will never have a reformation. Nothing in their book permits any change of orthodoxy.
It resembles no other CURRENT DAY religion. It acts as a cult; a cult built on death, slavery,terror and conquest. To even attempt to leave this cult-the punishment is death or a tax or servitude. In none of the Islamic countries can churches or-God forbid-a Temple's construction be built! And I won't attempt here to write of the barbaric treatments dealt out to gays and women and Jews.
How can THAT be a religion? How can the intolerant expect tolerance?
It is time to stop the excuses for their unspeakable acts. It's past time the leaders reform their brothers in faith or do battle against them.
Anyone who claims to be a Muslim and does NOT speak out and work with the world to stop these radical groups are complicit; much as the silent Germans were under Hitler. Their silence speaks volumes.
1
Can the NYT recommend reputable groups that are doing good work to counter Boko Haram? Either support to survivors or higher level strategic work--or how can the average reader contribute to the effort? Thanks
3
And again Boko Haram has tired from its; everyday routine life and the best entertainment for them is to travel into neighboring cities , where they are busy with their favorite hobbies: kidnapping, robbery, raping and so on. This group is especially dangerous in the region and it's not clear why does local government do nothing to stop these barbarians? ! ? !
2
Nigeria is a humanitarian's nightmare and this photo absolutely breaks my heart. How can the wealthiest country in Africa allow a small minority to live affluently and the rest of the population left to subsist on under $5.00 a day. Imagine if any other country in the civilized world that has the richest oil reserves in all of Africa allowed its people to live in sub standard villages without the basic necessities of life? It is deplorable and I wish the truth about Nigeria's corrupt political leaders and ruling classes was made public to the rest of the world so people could understand why poor people would be attracted to a despicable rebel organization like Boko Haram. If the root causes of poverty and income inequality (taken to the extreme) are not addressed by the government of Nigeria as well as the broader global community, this terrorist organization will never be stopped. Please report more on this tragedy NY Times as the world needs to know what's happening.
31
If the root causes of poverty and income inequality (taken to the extreme) are not addressed by the government of (substitute USA)
Therein lies the rub.
Therein lies the rub.
Where is the Nigerian military when all this is going on? Where has this supposedly professional, disciplined fighting force been when an essentially untrained moth-eaten rag-tag bunch of religious zealots running rough-shod over Borno State? Does the military have any pride?
4
And yet Obama dithers about the true nature of these people. This is Islam. It isn't near all of Islam, but it is Islam.
4
Well, the Ku Klux Klan wasn't "all of Christianity," either.
And government did precious little about it for a long time.
And government did precious little about it for a long time.
3
And when Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State, she said Boko Haram was just a group of nice guys who meant no harm to anyone. Do we really want her to be President of the U.S.?
3
Source, please!
And, yes, we do.
And, yes, we do.
5
The attempt many commenters here to divorce these horrors from their expressed source - religion - is amusing. Just like racism had nothing to do with the Holocaust, right? Give religion a pass, despite the declarations of the perpetrators that they are motivated by their religious understandings.
6
Boko-haram, akin to ISIS, the antithesis of humanity, a savage group causing carnage and despair, in the name of Islam...and a loving compassionate god. How is it possible they can go on, torturing and killing at will, without the whole world around them stopping it? Can you imagine a united single mission of one million (or so) international force, with all logistics, by land and air, fall on boko-haram to destroy it, once and for all? Sounds utopic? Yes, unless you try it; this is a malignant cancer and must be destroyed before copycats go looking for gory glory. Can we muster the will, and then the courage of our convictions? The Nigerian government, and its armed forces, seem utterly useless so far.
4
Boko Haram and ISIS are both just gangs of dispossessed young men running a rape ring. The taking of the women is not incidental to their purpose, it is the beginning and the end. Dressed up as religion.
14
Boko Haram and ISIL have co-opted Islam to support and justify their evil actions. They are not Muslims. The media confuses the public by identifying them as such.
4
Man's inhumanity towards others is well documented through historical genocides and persecutions. This is just another example of how badly we continue to treat one another. I cannot imagine what type of humanitarian effort any countries could make here that would be highly effective toward stopping the this massacre, but perhaps the world peace organizations should join forces to create a worldwide effort to stop this obvious enslavement of human beings. It is outrageous that the world has watched and waited while thousands die. Are we part of the solution or part of the problem?
3
Why can't we arm the women? Everyone else has guns. They seem as plentiful as gum drops. At least then they'd have a fighting chance.
4
The first islamic Jihad took place hundreds of years before the first christian Crusade.
There is nothing going on in Nigeria that is not consistent with the medieval form of Islam that predominated several hundred years ago. Then, too, thousands were killed if they did not submit to the rule of a muslim caliph.
And, in fact, Boko Haram, is generally accepted to mean, "western books are forbidden", or more generally, "western education is forbidden" in colloquial arabic.
Nothing new there.
There is nothing going on in Nigeria that is not consistent with the medieval form of Islam that predominated several hundred years ago. Then, too, thousands were killed if they did not submit to the rule of a muslim caliph.
And, in fact, Boko Haram, is generally accepted to mean, "western books are forbidden", or more generally, "western education is forbidden" in colloquial arabic.
Nothing new there.
7
Technically true ... but the underlying implication is false.
While Mohammad (and his immediate successors) established Islam with the sword, there were more centuries of progress and moderation after that. The Crusades (especially the First Crusade - the only one that actually captured Jerusalem) were clearly a barbarian invasion of a relatively civilized culture. Then things went into the toilet for everybody for centuries after that.
You can't pin the disasters going on today on historical Islam. We're all equally guilty.
While Mohammad (and his immediate successors) established Islam with the sword, there were more centuries of progress and moderation after that. The Crusades (especially the First Crusade - the only one that actually captured Jerusalem) were clearly a barbarian invasion of a relatively civilized culture. Then things went into the toilet for everybody for centuries after that.
You can't pin the disasters going on today on historical Islam. We're all equally guilty.
1
Wish the media would quit dignifying what is neither religion nor ideology, with this pompous approximation. "Haram" means forbidden. "Boko" is neither Arabic nor Hausa: it's pigeon-French "beaucoup." So, "Much forbidden."
Boko Haram slaughters indiscriminately. Nothing in their operation remotely resembles the early Jihads. They were wars of conquest and colonization, certainly not the first in world history, and they were successful in part because with conquest came literacy and trade.
In fact, we could borrow a once-revered French phrase, and call them a "Mission Civilizatrice."
Boko Haram slaughters indiscriminately. Nothing in their operation remotely resembles the early Jihads. They were wars of conquest and colonization, certainly not the first in world history, and they were successful in part because with conquest came literacy and trade.
In fact, we could borrow a once-revered French phrase, and call them a "Mission Civilizatrice."
2
Someone is selling arms to these murderous thugs (Boko Haram, Al Qaida, ISIS and the like). They do not produce or manufacture these munitions. Can't the world's intelligence agencies find out who these sellers are and conduct an equally concerted effort to stop the sellers? We do not hear about who these people are and what is being done to stop them. If these illiterate, misguided barbarians can't get arms, it would go a long way in defeating them and restricting their ability to terrorize innocent citizens. Also let us stop calling this Islamic terrorism but just terrorism - this is nothing more than a criminal enterprise.
27
Just to inject a few facts (as opposed to the simple opinion that is most frequently seen) ...
The US and Russia are far in front of any other countries in terms of arms sales and export. According to the latest year reported by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, US arms exports were about $8.7 billion, Russia about $8.1 billion. Germany, in third place, was about $1.2 billion.
We have met the enemy and he is us. (Or, 'US'.)
The US and Russia are far in front of any other countries in terms of arms sales and export. According to the latest year reported by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, US arms exports were about $8.7 billion, Russia about $8.1 billion. Germany, in third place, was about $1.2 billion.
We have met the enemy and he is us. (Or, 'US'.)
4
The Times is calling this Islamic terrorism because that is what it is!
What other group is enslaving, murdering, beheading tens of thousands of "others" in the name of their religion because the victims are "infidels," because these others think or act differently, or because the terrorists just feel like it?
What other group is enslaving, murdering, beheading tens of thousands of "others" in the name of their religion because the victims are "infidels," because these others think or act differently, or because the terrorists just feel like it?
5
As a recent article in Harper's demonstrates, controlling the flow of arms in Africa is a long lost battle, caused primarily by the flood of arms given to repressive governments, their turnover after the fall of corrupt leaders, like Qaddafi, and the many largely lawless areas and borders where anything goes, and nothing is impeded.
So it seems, that for the foreseeable future, as long as people in that region want to fight, they won't lack for weapons.
So it seems, that for the foreseeable future, as long as people in that region want to fight, they won't lack for weapons.
2
As horrific as the brutality of the actions that groups like Boko Haram and ISIS are, I think that any serious action towards defeating the evil they represent should be devoid of sentiment. An emphasis on their sources of armaments and a careful examination of who is reaping economic and political gain from their actions is more likely to draw us closer to finding a lasting solution to this mayhem. These jihadists are so obviously deranged there must be someone pulling the strings.
27
Society needs a balance of power between men and women to function. This type of barbarity has some roots in the systematic stripping of women's humanity under hard line Islamists. Without women's participation, there is less empathy being promoted.
That's not to say women are angels and men are beasts...but the misogyny inherent in Islam is a contributor to this violent thinking. When you begin your day with the belief that your own mother is subhuman, the battle is lost before you step out the door.
That's not to say women are angels and men are beasts...but the misogyny inherent in Islam is a contributor to this violent thinking. When you begin your day with the belief that your own mother is subhuman, the battle is lost before you step out the door.
24
There are, of course, other older, "less evolved" religions which deny to women full participation in the rites and sacraments of religious life or offer them only "separate" paths of service under the control of male clergy. It seems logical that any religion which does not offer full participation to all people wastes talents in addition to promoting the idea that women who are not "holy' enough to be full participants in religious life should not be treated equally in secular situations either.
Yes. Another way of saying that is Islam is indeed part of the problem.
In a 2012 video message, Boko Haram's leader Abubakar Shekau had apparently said: "I enjoy killing anyone that God commands me to kill - the way I enjoy killing chickens and rams". So we are dealing with a psychopath. Since he took over Boko Haram in 2009, after the death of its founder Muhammad Yusuf in police custody, the gropu has become more radical and brutal. Shedau has not been seen in public since then, for fear of being targeted.
Boko Haram has a highly decentralised structure, as Shekau doesn't have direct contact with ordinary fighters. He is said to wield power through selected leaders. Yet they don't seem to have much contact with this loner. So we have a scenario, in which cell leaders could do what they wanted, but in line with the group's ideological commitment.
What makes Shekau so dangerous is that he lacks his predecessor's charisma and oratorical skills. But he commits himself to a murderous ideology to compensate his complexes. At the beginning of his leadership he tried to ape Osama bin Laden. Now with the rise of the Islamic State and the installation of Caliph Ibrahim, aka Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Shekau is under pressure not to be outshone.
Boko Haram has a highly decentralised structure, as Shekau doesn't have direct contact with ordinary fighters. He is said to wield power through selected leaders. Yet they don't seem to have much contact with this loner. So we have a scenario, in which cell leaders could do what they wanted, but in line with the group's ideological commitment.
What makes Shekau so dangerous is that he lacks his predecessor's charisma and oratorical skills. But he commits himself to a murderous ideology to compensate his complexes. At the beginning of his leadership he tried to ape Osama bin Laden. Now with the rise of the Islamic State and the installation of Caliph Ibrahim, aka Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, Shekau is under pressure not to be outshone.
15
Nicely explained.
2
Just horrible. And it is, of course, the world's fault. Certainly not this civilization's that has existed since the dawn of man.
5
Excellent point. All of us are bound to life on the planet. The abuse of colonialism, the rape of the Earth by corporate "values" - the response of corporate, wholesale terror living off the profits of corporations- is the butchery I call the beginning of the ERA OF SURVIVORS: for the next century, butchering human populations, animals, ecosystems...will be the highest calling of the competing military-industrial-complexes of the world (just read the Rumsfeld/Cheney PNAC 1997 doctrine, "...the US will employ 'full spectrum domination' on every nation in the world for resources. Sounds just like the King of Belgium, 1850....only with drones, flown from the Zone of the Interior Nevada.
2
Please stop calling these horrendous creatures "Islamist!" They can shout "Allahu Akbar" all they want, and it's the most most hideous blasphemy in their mouths.
There is NOTHING in the Qu'ran or the teaching and example of the Prophet Mohammad that could possibly justify their vile deeds.
When the hierarchs of the Roman Catholic Church burned women, "heretics," and Jews alive, and slaughtered women and children indiscriminately in the Crusades, were they "Christians?" Were they following the teachings of Jesus who told his disciples to "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you?"
Of course not. They, too, were vile, inhuman creatures who performed the most hideously cruel acts simply because they could.
It's the same situation here. This has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with evil men --likely armed by the way with American or European-made weapons.
There is NOTHING in the Qu'ran or the teaching and example of the Prophet Mohammad that could possibly justify their vile deeds.
When the hierarchs of the Roman Catholic Church burned women, "heretics," and Jews alive, and slaughtered women and children indiscriminately in the Crusades, were they "Christians?" Were they following the teachings of Jesus who told his disciples to "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you?"
Of course not. They, too, were vile, inhuman creatures who performed the most hideously cruel acts simply because they could.
It's the same situation here. This has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with evil men --likely armed by the way with American or European-made weapons.
80
Thank you for your analysis. A South Asian friend observed, "There has always been dacoity [banditry] in isolated regions. It's just now the dacoits have Kalashnikovs and armored vehicles and I-phones. They shout 'Allahu Akbar' because it gets their weaponry paid for. Look to their paymasters."
Rest assured, well-informed people know better than to blame Islam.
All the same, we need to recognize the part that the West's thirst for oil has played in disrupting traditional economies and promoting dispossession and disenfranchisement.
Rest assured, well-informed people know better than to blame Islam.
All the same, we need to recognize the part that the West's thirst for oil has played in disrupting traditional economies and promoting dispossession and disenfranchisement.
5
Clearly, you have not read the Holy Quran if you find it so easy to conflate it's dictates with the teachings of the New Testament Gospels.
And in that regard, please be advised that the first Jihad took place hundreds of years before the first Crusade.
And in that regard, please be advised that the first Jihad took place hundreds of years before the first Crusade.
5
Your analogy is correct, the difference is that these elements were marginalized and eliminated over time by reasonable elements of the church. Due to outside pressure? Perhaps. But they no longer exist nonetheless.
The world and history await the same reaction from reasonable elements of Islam today, for that is the only way to end this scourge by whatever name you call it.
The world and history await the same reaction from reasonable elements of Islam today, for that is the only way to end this scourge by whatever name you call it.
4
Oil is at the birth of this problem. Westerners and Africans bent on controlling and profiting from Nigeria's oil have created so much corruption that only anarchy could emerge.
Of course the absurdity of religious zealotry is a variable that cannot be dismissed.
Of course the absurdity of religious zealotry is a variable that cannot be dismissed.
17
The USA should go into Nigeria and spend at least $1 Trillion Dollars to do...........something.
6
Spend the money on what? For that money to realize it's objectives USA must spend that money by themselves on Nigeria not hand the money to any government
One of the things that strikes me about this article is that Boko Haram is targeting other Muslims. My Muslim Nigerian-American friend (born in Nigeria, raised in the US) told me that roughly half of Nigeria is Muslim. One would think that they would be targeting Christians. It's more evidence to me that everything about Boko Haram seems not only brutal but also nonsensical.
17
nonsensical because they target Muslims too?
1
HDG , you do not need to learn that from your Nigerian friend , I do not have any. It is exactly like that. Boko haram massacres Muslims as well as Christians and others.
If you are looking for a pretext for massacring Muslims which Boko haram supposedly doesn't hesitate a second, It is not non sensical, It is arising from historical truths.
Arabs when invaded sub-Saharan Africa, they convert the people to Islam but that wasn't enough for them, they also start to eliminate them to replace with their ethnicity or related ethnicity.
Similar example was witnessed when Spaniard converted the Indian Americans Christianity but many of them even after that massacred. Same pretext. Yes you may be converted but you are not Arab so we are replacing your ethnicity or say ethnocide this was already going on centuries long, Boko haram make it fan fare, killing like a lunatic craziness , brutality is unparalleled.
Yes Boko Haram kills Muslim with the same vengeance and rage Christians because pretext is different.
If you are looking for a pretext for massacring Muslims which Boko haram supposedly doesn't hesitate a second, It is not non sensical, It is arising from historical truths.
Arabs when invaded sub-Saharan Africa, they convert the people to Islam but that wasn't enough for them, they also start to eliminate them to replace with their ethnicity or related ethnicity.
Similar example was witnessed when Spaniard converted the Indian Americans Christianity but many of them even after that massacred. Same pretext. Yes you may be converted but you are not Arab so we are replacing your ethnicity or say ethnocide this was already going on centuries long, Boko haram make it fan fare, killing like a lunatic craziness , brutality is unparalleled.
Yes Boko Haram kills Muslim with the same vengeance and rage Christians because pretext is different.
Yes, Boko Haram is killing Muslims, but the ones they consider 'impure' and thus practically infidels, no better than Christians or of any other faith.
As you may know, Islam does not allow 'leaving the faith', which is apostasy and is punishable by death. And the Muslims who have learnt western ways, e.g., learnt to speak English, are, by Boko's definition, 'apostates'.
As you may know, Islam does not allow 'leaving the faith', which is apostasy and is punishable by death. And the Muslims who have learnt western ways, e.g., learnt to speak English, are, by Boko's definition, 'apostates'.
2
The barbaric islamic rules, compounded by the sharia, are responsible
an the main reason, for the spread of this evil, deadly tendency and violence, from Pakistan, though Iran, North Africa, Libya to Southern Africa and Nigeria.
Bin Laden, with the creation of Al Qaeda, set in motion, a tremendous wave
of radical islamism, throughout the muslim world, and whenever muslims
live, The United States, Canada, or Europe, that a new type of anti-terrorist warfare, has been the response, and has contributed worldwide, to the violation of human rights, and the diminishing of civil liberties, under the mask of, preventing and fighting, terrorists plans and attacks.
This trend, is here to stay, for the foreseeable unlimited future.!!
an the main reason, for the spread of this evil, deadly tendency and violence, from Pakistan, though Iran, North Africa, Libya to Southern Africa and Nigeria.
Bin Laden, with the creation of Al Qaeda, set in motion, a tremendous wave
of radical islamism, throughout the muslim world, and whenever muslims
live, The United States, Canada, or Europe, that a new type of anti-terrorist warfare, has been the response, and has contributed worldwide, to the violation of human rights, and the diminishing of civil liberties, under the mask of, preventing and fighting, terrorists plans and attacks.
This trend, is here to stay, for the foreseeable unlimited future.!!
21
Yes and no. I think the cloak of Islam is merely a ruse for power, wealth, control and more obviously, men being in charge, and subjugating women. The trend in this century is for this form of barbarism to be in the Muslim world, but we have seen trends in other religions historically. Religion is the cover story, but it's about power, wealth and control. It's awful.
1
I don't know much about Islam and its religious laws. But I have been shown time and time again what uncivilized, cruel, power hungry people can do under the pretense of a religion. They call it Islam, but they might as well call It Bob, or John, or Sally. What it is, is a death cult! Perhaps it is their version of Satan. There were other religions in years gone bye hat did the same thing, even in this country. In the name of religion they burned peope at the stake! They did it in the name of Christ. I'm sure you know all about the Crusades.
What this is all about, is a group of mostly males who crave power over people. They seem totally insecure about themselves and, therefor, have a need to dominate. They beat up their wives,girl friends, sisters, and even their mothers. Of course they rarely, if ever pick on someone their own size. They aren't man enough.
What this is all about, is a group of mostly males who crave power over people. They seem totally insecure about themselves and, therefor, have a need to dominate. They beat up their wives,girl friends, sisters, and even their mothers. Of course they rarely, if ever pick on someone their own size. They aren't man enough.
2
"he barbaric islamic rules, compounded by the sharia, are responsible
an the main reason, for the spread of this evil, deadly tendency and violence, from Pakistan, though Iran, North Africa, Libya to Southern Africa and Nigeria."
Just a reminder: There were no such things 20 years ago. I wonder why?
an the main reason, for the spread of this evil, deadly tendency and violence, from Pakistan, though Iran, North Africa, Libya to Southern Africa and Nigeria."
Just a reminder: There were no such things 20 years ago. I wonder why?
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/nigerias-corrupt-oil-industry-managed-t...
How can the NYTimes cover this without discussing the abysmal conditions that foment this horrible situation?
How can the NYTimes cover this without discussing the abysmal conditions that foment this horrible situation?
13
@Carolyn Egeli,
Spot on comment as so often we, the American news reader, are only served news stories which are so very tragic, without an in-depth analysis of the cause and effect of years of negligence and denial within the leadership of a country. This is why I miss the fine reporting on BBC 1,2,3 in England which takes the time to report the entire story instead of the government's side of every world event.
Spot on comment as so often we, the American news reader, are only served news stories which are so very tragic, without an in-depth analysis of the cause and effect of years of negligence and denial within the leadership of a country. This is why I miss the fine reporting on BBC 1,2,3 in England which takes the time to report the entire story instead of the government's side of every world event.
5
Sub-Saharan abysmal condition was there almost 2-3 centuries, In short Belgian did first genocide even today accepted many historian eclipse Nazis Jewish genocide.
So that conditions at least was in sub-sahara for a long time, what is difference now.
Boko Haram and al shabbab killing spree or massacres are just reaching new levels which previously wasn't tested. These lunatics were not there to wage a jihad, this is just plain killing. You may not comprehend this but this type of acts happened in the past. Cambodia in 1970's experience d some thing like that Khmer rogue was establishing a regime , regime it self doesn't have any logic, they killed millions for nothing.
AT THE END WHAT IS ACT HERE, GOAL HERE.
SIMPLY KILLING, RAPING,ETC . GETTING MONEY OR SOMETHING. THAT IS IT.
I am not putting these organizations actions for any political context.
So that conditions at least was in sub-sahara for a long time, what is difference now.
Boko Haram and al shabbab killing spree or massacres are just reaching new levels which previously wasn't tested. These lunatics were not there to wage a jihad, this is just plain killing. You may not comprehend this but this type of acts happened in the past. Cambodia in 1970's experience d some thing like that Khmer rogue was establishing a regime , regime it self doesn't have any logic, they killed millions for nothing.
AT THE END WHAT IS ACT HERE, GOAL HERE.
SIMPLY KILLING, RAPING,ETC . GETTING MONEY OR SOMETHING. THAT IS IT.
I am not putting these organizations actions for any political context.
1
Abysmal conditions exist throughout our world. It is not an excuse or license to slaughter or subjugate others.
1
http://motherboard.vice.com/read/nigerias-corrupt-oil-industry-managed-t...
Corruption at the top perhaps is driving the barbarism.
Corruption at the top perhaps is driving the barbarism.
10
The barbarism is appalling and heartbreaking. What is behind it? It would be useful if this article were put in the context of the economics of the region, who is doing business there from the world community and what they stand to gain one way or the other.
14
"It would be useful if this article were put in the context of the economics of the region"
Other than South Africa, Nigeria is considered the economic powerhouse of Africa. You can't blame Boko Haram on economics any more than you can use economics to explain the murder of 200 school children in Pakistan.
Other than South Africa, Nigeria is considered the economic powerhouse of Africa. You can't blame Boko Haram on economics any more than you can use economics to explain the murder of 200 school children in Pakistan.
3
Nigerian President Jonathan Goodluck and his military commanders have proven themselves incapable and indifferent to the mission of bringing Boko Haram under control and protecting civilian populations whose communities and homes by the hundred and children in schools are kidnaped, raped, sold, maimed, murdered, beheaded and burned routinely, as this monstrous group operates widely with impunity, in a frenzy of blood-thirsty evil.
Boko Haram represents one of the most violent, deadly, and inhumane groups the world has witnessed. It must be eradicated. Its existence acts as a beacon for other groups to emulate its dark acts; its killings and operations silently urge other terrorist groups to drop all moral pretensions.
Nigeria must immediately grant permission to the UN or national forces from Africa or the West enter the country's Northern region and eliminate the threat of further genocide and collapse. Boko Haram's elimination is important beyond Nigeria. It is an important to restoring peace and safety to all communities globally and as a clear signal that all lives count and the world will no longer tolerate genocide in the name of any ideology or terrorism that only increases craven bloodlust.
Boko Haram represents one of the most violent, deadly, and inhumane groups the world has witnessed. It must be eradicated. Its existence acts as a beacon for other groups to emulate its dark acts; its killings and operations silently urge other terrorist groups to drop all moral pretensions.
Nigeria must immediately grant permission to the UN or national forces from Africa or the West enter the country's Northern region and eliminate the threat of further genocide and collapse. Boko Haram's elimination is important beyond Nigeria. It is an important to restoring peace and safety to all communities globally and as a clear signal that all lives count and the world will no longer tolerate genocide in the name of any ideology or terrorism that only increases craven bloodlust.
136
Walt,
If you would stop the slaughter in Nigeria you first would need honest competent government in Nigeria. Nigeria is renowned through out the world for its corrupt institutions both public and private. This has been the case for the last 40 years.
If things don't change Boko Haram will win and the change must come from within Nigeria.
If you would stop the slaughter in Nigeria you first would need honest competent government in Nigeria. Nigeria is renowned through out the world for its corrupt institutions both public and private. This has been the case for the last 40 years.
If things don't change Boko Haram will win and the change must come from within Nigeria.
3
Walter, I don't disagree with your assessment. However, the difficulty is that the problem from radical Islam isn't limited to Nigeria. We have Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, Nusra Front, Al-Shabaab, the Taliban who killed 200 school children in Pakistan and who throw acid in the faces of school girls in Afghanistan, the animals who killed 300 school children in the Beslan School Massacre, the killers in Paris, etc., etc. They are all around the world.
During World War II we knew that if we could bring Germany and Japan to their knees the war would end. That's not the case with radical Islam. There is no central country that's behind this terrorism. It's based on religious beliefs that are widespread and growing.
During World War II we knew that if we could bring Germany and Japan to their knees the war would end. That's not the case with radical Islam. There is no central country that's behind this terrorism. It's based on religious beliefs that are widespread and growing.
5
So we need permission? The fact is no one cares what happens in Nigeria. If we did we'd act. We've allowed genocide for 100 years. Am dating this from the Turkish genocide of Armenians. All this is documented in Samantha Powers' classic "A Problem from hell: America and the Age of Genocide. Not included in her book Sudan-Darfur. The genocides continue and by our inaction I conclude we do not care.
2
The face of evil. There is no goodness whatsoever in this group. Similar evil has been perpetrated in the name of other religions. I don't think religion generally or Islam in particular is the cause but the cover. What we have are insignificant young men who see a way to lord power over others and make themselves feel important in their own eyes -- and give in to their worst instincts , killing and raping because they can.
122
Could you please sir give me a few examples of other religions doing the same type of thing these animals are are doing or are you just echoing Obamas misguided comments yesterday?
17
I like to think that @JCH has heard about slavery and the horrors perpetuated through it in the name of Christianity in those United States. Burning humans alive? US christians been there, done that. Or, perhaps, you've heard of the Salem witch hunts?
24
"Could you please sir give me a few examples of other religions doing the same type of thing these animals are are doing or are you just echoing Obamas misguided comments yesterday?"
Just off the top of my head: the Holocaust, the Inquisitions, the Crusades, the American Indian Wars, the Pogroms in Russia, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Thirty Years's War, early Christian persecution by the Romans. I'm sure there are more.
Just off the top of my head: the Holocaust, the Inquisitions, the Crusades, the American Indian Wars, the Pogroms in Russia, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Thirty Years's War, early Christian persecution by the Romans. I'm sure there are more.
11
Despicable and abhorrent as the Boko Haram system is one cannot but blame an unwilling executive for the failure to stop this madness. When the whole insurgency started sometimes back in 2002 the executive turned a blind eye perhaps for the political advantage expected from the local administration. The low level police/sectarian clashes continued until the then president Umaru gave a "finish them off order. Whatever the intention was, what followed was a massacre by the police with open execution by firing squad. That led to the hardening of attitude and one thing led to another until the incumbent took over after president Umaru's death.
Instead of facing the abrogation head-on, the executive made it like a North-led rebellion against his ascension which ir never was since the uprising predated both his and hos predecessors administration. That was how the issue became a doe until it got to the point we are today faced with a motley crowd of mad clerics parading themselves a the only Muslims perhaps emboldened by the dysfunctional and disparate approach of the Jonathan administration.
Instead of facing the abrogation head-on, the executive made it like a North-led rebellion against his ascension which ir never was since the uprising predated both his and hos predecessors administration. That was how the issue became a doe until it got to the point we are today faced with a motley crowd of mad clerics parading themselves a the only Muslims perhaps emboldened by the dysfunctional and disparate approach of the Jonathan administration.
7
I was going to say that Boko Haram is returning northern Nigeria to a primitive level of 9th century Islamic fundamentalist violence, but I think the 9th century Islamic fundamentalists were better behaved than Boko Haram. With their appalling levels of depravity, which abuse, maim, or murder everyone they see as an infidel, groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State are going out of their way to make enemies worldwide. It is only a matter of time before these groups disintegrate due to the resistance applied against them by the civilized world.
21
"but I think the 9th century Islamic fundamentalists were better behaved than Boko Haram."
Don't count on it. During the Armenian Genocide of 1915 the Muslim leaders gave awards to soldiers who invented the most brutal and painful methods of execution. What Islamic State is doing is not new to Islam.
Don't count on it. During the Armenian Genocide of 1915 the Muslim leaders gave awards to soldiers who invented the most brutal and painful methods of execution. What Islamic State is doing is not new to Islam.
4
Hopefully. However, just a few men started the Russian revolution and millions died. Just a few men started the Nazi movement and millions upon millions died because of what they started. How many millions is the civilized world prepared to let die before this filth is extinguished?
1
This is hell on earth. I'd much rather have men like Chris Kyle sitting in a sniper tower in Maiduguri than in Iraq. This will not end until every last one of these coward savages faces a highly trained and well armed opponent. The Nigerian military is not up to this task.
72
And yet I can't imagine sending our sons and daughters to another war to clean the evil from yet another God-forsaken place.
1
I don't see jihad here or anything to do with religion. This is a death or destructive cult. Islam has nothing to do with machine-gunning old men chatting in the shade of a tree. What would they be without easy access to guns and ammunition?
59
Nothing to do with religion?
The same tired old refrain
We hear every day from
The apologists for the religion
Of peace and love? These are
Not catholic nuns in case you
Have not noticed.next,of course,
Will come the references to the
Crusades!when will you ever learn?
The same tired old refrain
We hear every day from
The apologists for the religion
Of peace and love? These are
Not catholic nuns in case you
Have not noticed.next,of course,
Will come the references to the
Crusades!when will you ever learn?
29
No evidence that it has anything to do with religion other than the perpetrators constantly claiming that Islam is their worldview and Muhammed their prophet, shouting "Allahu Akbar" and saying that they're establishing an Islamic Caliphate. Then they impose Shariah law in the towns they capture, execute non-Muslims, take girls as slaves, burn down churches and cite the Koran as justification for everything. Other than that, it's hard to tell what is motivating them.
61
Actually, while I think Sharia is an abhorrent form of governance, what these guys are imposing is not Sharia. They invoke sharia to justify their violent whimsy.
Even Sharia has formal processes written into it. You have to try a person in an Islamic court before beheading them. The only people against which you are allowed to behave barbarically are infidels -- non-muslims. These guys are slaughtering muslims.
Even Sharia has formal processes written into it. You have to try a person in an Islamic court before beheading them. The only people against which you are allowed to behave barbarically are infidels -- non-muslims. These guys are slaughtering muslims.
4
Fortunately for the people of our dear country we have just about a week to redress our situation; our Presidential election on Feb. 14th. The election will remove the most inept and corrupt leadership in Nigerian history from power. The people who have been lukewarm in the past elections due to votes rigging; election violence to deter the middle class from voting; have been clamoring to get their voters card and to vote this failed President and his cohorts out of power.
47
The United States should stop giving foreign aid bribes to the corrupt clown car governments of those countries.
11
How about the world just stops buying their oil till they use the petrodollars to field an effective army?
3
"How about the world just stops buying their oil"
Good news: Thanks to fracking, the USA is on the verge of becoming energy independent.
Good news: Thanks to fracking, the USA is on the verge of becoming energy independent.
4
Wait a minute, this has been represented as the most promising of all sub-Saharan countries. Gee, what are the others like?
15
Has it? I thought that perhaps Ghana was. Also, all of Nigeria is not like this - Boko Haram is concentrated in northern Nigeria.
8
Correct. The Nigerian economy has been growing at a phenomenal 7 % annual rate but this growth is concentrated in the South. We have to bring these economic blessings as well as security to the North.
Doyin Ogunbi
Doyin Ogunbi
8
What the heck is Mr. Goodluck Charming doing? Why is he even president. Sure he is in bed with Boko Haram
8
And the thread in all these almost unbelievable tales of woe is Islams inability to shout with one voice, "Enough".
Much like Christendom during the 1933-1945 period.
Much like Christendom during the 1933-1945 period.
55
Here comes the comment which are going to justify Islamic brutality. Compare with Christianity and all is fine. Is it? I am sure ISIS started slavery has already a justification for you. Christendom had also done slavery, so be quite. Is it?
5
No, John, but where were the leaders of Christian churches during WWII? Where were the millions of Germans and Italians saying "Enough" to Hitler and Mussolini?
I think the point being it is easy to say that the average person should say "Enough", regardless if they are German in 1936 or Nigerian in 2015. In reality, it's not so easy - you end up dead, and the tyrant is still in power.
These people are so used to instability, they may hate BH, but realize that BH could be gone next week, so the thought is that it is best to wait it out.
I think the point being it is easy to say that the average person should say "Enough", regardless if they are German in 1936 or Nigerian in 2015. In reality, it's not so easy - you end up dead, and the tyrant is still in power.
These people are so used to instability, they may hate BH, but realize that BH could be gone next week, so the thought is that it is best to wait it out.
1
I doubt anyone who cites the historical atrocities committed by those who misused the name of Christ is attempting to "justify" Islamic brutality. Before recorded history, evil men (with access to powerful weapons) have used whatever means they could to obtain control over the lives and resources of others; religion has just been one tool.
3
Muslim Radicalization has been going on in Africa and other poor countries with authoritarian governments for over two decades- As long as America support these despots, their radical adversaries will use religion and ideology in an attempt to overthrow them- This is a brutal civil war that USA have contributed to and these tribal cultures will not come to terms as long as corrupt or dogmatic leadership continues and there is no hope for the disenfranchised- They are too easily recruited and indoctrinated and have almost nothing to loose!
18
Timofel,
Perhaps, as a Russian you should start with a review of Russian History both along the Russian border with Turkey and in Africa where Russia supplied Cuban mercenaries in the 10's of thousands. Russia has been "stirring the pot" in the Muslim parts of Asia for several hundred years now!
Perhaps, as a Russian you should start with a review of Russian History both along the Russian border with Turkey and in Africa where Russia supplied Cuban mercenaries in the 10's of thousands. Russia has been "stirring the pot" in the Muslim parts of Asia for several hundred years now!
1
This has been going on for quite a while - the people living in northern Nigeria have been suffering hell on earth. I doubt there could be a family that has not been affected by their brutal terrorism. While their name suggests religion, their actions are anything but, with petulant murder and the theft and rape of females, please don't use the the euphemism "forced marriage". There is no marriage when one has been abducted and imprisoned. It is sexual slavery.
Why can't Nigeria protect her people from these roving gangs of nihilist thugs and bullies? Is there no real will to bring this under control? Is it simple ineptitude? Is the army complicit? The people they are attacking are also Muslim, there is no scripture that could possibly find justification for this wanton slaughter. It is completely heartbreaking.
Why can't Nigeria protect her people from these roving gangs of nihilist thugs and bullies? Is there no real will to bring this under control? Is it simple ineptitude? Is the army complicit? The people they are attacking are also Muslim, there is no scripture that could possibly find justification for this wanton slaughter. It is completely heartbreaking.
87
ISIS is killing and raping Muslims as well. I'm sure there were Muslims in the world trade towers that died too. These extremists don't care, but they are Islamist extremists. There are no clerics or imams standing against these creatures; what does the silence mean?
4
Boko Haram and Daesh do us one big favor - they make muslims scrutinize their clerics and question the meaning of the koran. Something we tried for decades and have been rebuffed with fury.
This is a jihad, which translates roughly as a moral cleaning, but this jihad is the faithful against the sanctimonious hypocrites. We shouldn't meddle, but support the moderate muslims.
This is a jihad, which translates roughly as a moral cleaning, but this jihad is the faithful against the sanctimonious hypocrites. We shouldn't meddle, but support the moderate muslims.
22
Where are so called moderate Muslims? Are they hiding in caves for this long?
36
unfortunately its our meddling that has undermined moderate muslims in the region for centuries. we helped arm, either directly or by proxy, fanatical muslims in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Nigeria, when it suited our purpose because we never believed they'd be able to threaten us.
15
Agreed, we shouldn't meddle..but we should at least send out clear messages. The latest ISIS murder-video starts with a lecture about the crusades..a lecture our own president repeated yesterday.
2
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/06/us-nigeria-violence-niger-toll
Apparently government forces killed 109 boko haramites in a single battle today. This is an improvement, and a good thing for their country and the world. Now all they have to do is repeat that accomplishment about 80 or 90 times to get rid of all boko fighters, which if they can manage it, solves the problem. Best of luck to them and I hope they get good support.